PICC's Shirley Curley was named Youth Advocate of the Year. Image: Dylan Evans Photography

Queensland’s ACCHO sector came together to celebrate Community, culture, and the outstanding achievements of those dedicated to improving the health of mob at the biennial QAIHC Awards for Excellence in Brisbane.

The 4 June awards honour those individuals and organisations who have worked tirelessly to strengthen the sector, advocate for change and provide exceptional care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Queensland.

Dr Simone Nalatu from Health & Wellbeing Queensland and Award for Excellence winner, Shirley Curley (Palm Island Community Company). Image: Dylan Evans Photography

This year QAIHC recognised Cleveland Fagan, former CEO of QAIHC, for his significant contribution to Queensland’s ACCHO sector with his induction into the QAIHC Hall of Fame.

Six Awards for Excellence were presented to individuals, teams and Member services who embodied the ACCHO spirit:

  • Member of the Year Award: Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd.
  • Leader of the Year Award: Fallon Grainer, Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service
  • Youth Advocate of the Year Award: Shirley Curley, Palm Island Community Company (PICC)
  • Innovation Excellence Award: Cultural Birth Support Workers, Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan
  • Partnership Excellence Award: Carbal Outreach Services Team, Carbal Medical Services
  • Service Excellence & Patience Satisfaction Award: Team Gindaja, Gindaja Treatment and Healing Indigenous Corporation

More than 160 people attended the awards evening at the Pullman King George Square in Meanjin/Brisbane. The event was emceed by Biripi comedian and entertainer Andy Saunders, who has performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and appeared on Just for Laughs, ABC and Channel 10. The Welcome to Country was presented by Nunukul Yuggera Traditional Dance Troupe and an Acknowledgement of Country was presented by Wagga Torres Strait Island Dance Company, while entertainment was provided by The Jacks Band.

QAIHC thanked sponsors HR Law, Lowitja Institute, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, Deloitte, Health Workforce Queensland and CheckUp for contributing to making the evening such a success.

Comedian Andy Saunders hosted the QAIHC Awards for Excellence. Image: Dylan Evans Photography